I watched my cursor open the browser and a couple of tabs, then stop in the search bar. I disconnected the internet, shut the computer down and ran malware scans. It hasn't happened again, but what should I check?
My mouse moved on its own and opened browser tabs. What could cause that?
Asked by
n7~muxdelay_408
Answers
Check for remote access software you don't recognize, including programs that may have been installed legitimately and therefore don't trigger a malware scan. Look through installed programs and startup apps, and check whether remote access is enabled on the computer.
Also consider whether you set up any automation or scripts that could control the browser. A clean scan is reassuring, but it doesn't explain the movement or rule out every possibility.
Reply to this answer
Check the physical inputs before assuming someone got in. An extra wireless receiver or paired Bluetooth mouse could let another device move the cursor and click. Disconnect unfamiliar receivers and try turning off Bluetooth while using a wired mouse.
That won't prove what happened before, but it can help narrow things down if it happens again.
Reply to this answer
Opening the browser and moving between tabs sounds more deliberate than ordinary cursor drift, but it still doesn't tell you who or what caused it. If it happens again, disconnect from the network and note what was open and which input devices were connected.
If you find convincing signs of unauthorized access or can't trust the system, back up important files and consider a clean operating system reinstall. That is a bigger step than checking devices and software, so I wouldn't jump straight to it based on one unexplained incident.
Reply to this answer
Add your answer
Answers are reviewed before publication.
Fernel.28:
Browser extensions are worth checking too, especially anything with permissions you don't recognize.